“Have a nice day!” This is a common phrase we use to wish others well every day. Yet, Monday, October 5 is “Do Something Nice Day.” Instead of just wishing someone to have a nice day, we are now being urged to help them have a nice day. But what does that really mean?
Let’s explore the word nice in this week’s Weekend Word.
nice
nīs/
adjective
- pleasant; agreeable; satisfactory.
- fine or subtle.
According to the definition above, Do Something Nice Day aims to encourage people to do something pleasant or agreeable. However, what you find to be pleasant or agreeable may differ greatly from another person. Since the creators of this day didn’t elaborate too much on what “nice” means, we are left with a few assumptions. Since the name of the day doesn’t really say to whom or what we should do something “nice” for, one assumption could be to do something nice for ourselves. Treat yourself for the hard work you do with an hour of relaxation or splurge on your favorite treat. It’s important to take time do something nice for yourself, as others have wished you to do.
However, since we’re not in the spirit of being too selfish, we can also assume they meant for people to take a moment out of their daily lives and instead of simply “wishing a nice day” on someone, help them have a nice day by doing something… well… nice! But what does that mean?
Do Something Nice Day is mean to be similar to Random Acts of Kindness Day, which leads me to believe that in addition to the “dictionary definition,” we also have a learned/assumed definition of “nice” which involves the action of doing something helpful for someone else.
By the way, October 5 also happens to be World Teacher’s Day, which recognizes the vital role teachers play in education and development. You can thank a teacher for the fact that you are able to even read this blog post right now. Next to parents, teachers are the primary people responsible for educating future generations around the world. This day is meant to show an understanding and appreciation for the hard work and countless hours they put into educating our children.
We could not possibly do what we do for the orphans in Uganda if it weren’t for the teachers at our schools. I shudder to think where our children would be without the teachers imparting their knowledge in traditional and vocational education. They are the true miracle workers and it’s because of their efforts that the children we serve will grow up to be independent, self-sufficient adults who help lift themselves, and their country, from poverty to prosperity.
We can’t say thank you enough to all the teachers in the world that make a difference everyday. But if everyone did just 1 nice thing for the teacher in their life on Oct. 5, we’d sure come close.
Have a nice day!
Cristen
